Time Out London to go free on September 25

After previously announcing that Time Out London magazine would change from a paid-for to free publication, it has been confirmed that the switch will take place on September 25.

It was reported in August that a sustained decline in sales for the title led to the change in strategy for the publication and now the September 25 date is confirmed for when Time Out London will go free. There are plans for 180,000 copies to be distributed of the 72-page issue and a target distribution of 305,000 within three months.

The magazine was previously £3.25 per issue with an average combined newsstand and subscription sales of just over 43,000.

Foreign editions in cities such as New York and Paris will remain paid for.

Founded in 1968, the magazine sold more than 110,000 copies a week during the 1990s but recently has achieved only half that amount with most of its sales coming through subscriptions.

The free edition will be given out in train stations, museums, bars and shops. Subscribers will be charged a fee to cover postage.